ROAD SENSE
We look at major UK driving routes and reveal everything you need to know
A2
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FROM SOUTH TO north, the A2 starts at Newry, a vibrant city that was once a major port and is now a thriving retail centre. To the east are the Mourne Mountains to the south-west, the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
From there, the A2 runs alongside the Newry River, then the east bank of Carlingford Lough – the west bank is in the Republic of Ireland – as far as Lisnacree, crossing to Kilkeel and turning north to hug the Co Down coastline, sandwiched between the sea and the Mourne Mountains, to the seaside town of Newcastle.
The town sits at the foot of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. Out in the harbour are seals and smugglers’ caves and along its shore, the UK’s only seaweed bath-house.